Pete Van Helden, Mary Crocker & Willie Crocker honored at Foundation’s annual awards event
Three grocery industry executives with deep roots in both the California Grocers Association and the CGA Educational Foundation were inducted into the Foundation’s prestigious Hall of Achievement on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at The Westin Anaheim Resort in Anaheim, Calif.
More than 500 industry peers, colleagues, friends, and family joined the gala event to honor Pete Van Helden, Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair for Stater Bros. Markets, Mary Crocker, Sales Account Manager for Alta Dena Dairy, and Willie Crocker, Retail Director for Bimbo Bakeries USA.
The Hall of Achievement recognizes grocery leaders for their tremendous contributions to not only the industry, but their local communities as well. Proceeds from the event fund the Foundation’s college scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs.
“We are honored to induct these three worthy candidates into the Hall of Achievement,” said CGAEF President Ron Fong. “Their contributions to our industry and their communities are well-documented. Their recognition was long over-due.”
Both award recipients have long histories of involvement with the Educational Foundation, the Association and other allied organizations.
The Hall of Achievement Dinner also celebrated CGA’s Rising Stars, emerging professionals recognized for their impact on the industry, leadership potential, and commitment to uplifting teams, inspiring communities, and investing in their own growth. The 2025 Rising Stars recipients included:
- Teresa Blanco, Director of Community Engagement and Wellness, Northgate Gonzalez Markets
- Chad Villanueva, Senior Category Manager of Meat, The Save Mart Companies
- Taylor Chappell, Northern California Retail Sales Director, Anheuser-Busch
- Dominic Olvera, Director of Procurement, Stater Bros. Markets
- Priyanka Vijay, Sales Director, Keurig Dr. Pepper
- Joanna Perez, Retail Account Manager, C&S Wholesale Grocers
